Finding the joy every day

Quality Time Away

I’ve been away from the blog, spending quality time with my loved ones. It is exactly what I needed.

DD got a pile of books for Christmas, and she has been most diligent at turning her TBR pile into her Read-That pile. One book really gripped her and she was desperate for me to read it, and I am so glad she got her way.

This book is amazing. Just delightful. Realistic, yet hopeful. Factual about Ireland in the 19th century, yet not fatalistic or political.

I love discussing it with DD after I had finished. We talked about the characters and how the author set the tone, from Ireland to the New World. We talked politics. DD is an expat third culture kid, so this story especially appealed to her. I think she really identified with the protagonist. The experience brought us together in a way I couldn’t have imagined, and I can’t wait to read another book ‘together’.

I’ve also been busy at work, but good busy. The magazine is going from strength to strength and it’s heartening to see my efforts yield tangible results. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I was afraid that the team would eventually show their ‘true colours’ – that people couldn’t really be that nice. I am delighted to announce that I was WRONG. It’s a real joy to be able to enjoy what I do, even on a bad day. I am well aware of how lucky I am.

One of my favourite covers – the February 2016 issue – it soothes me every time I look at it, which is several times a day.

Some of my favourite books … the #shelfie is for a work project. Which books would make your #shelfie?

It’s daffodil season again! We had a delivery of narcissii from the Scilly Isles to the office, and their scent was a glorious welcome to work every morning. Which flowers say spring to you?